Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Last weekend I took part with my mate @ianwood2011 in the annual Backpackers Club Treasure Hunt. This year based at Tarn Foot, Nr Loughrigg in the Lakes. This is a great event, Ian had taken part several times in the past but for me it was a first time. A good few years ago we had moderate success in Mountain Marathons, but this is a far more civilised affair! I would recommend having a go to anyone who likes to use their brains as well as their feet! It isn't of course a fixed route you can visit as many (or as few) clues as you wish in any order. Your choice of overnight camp also up to you.

Having left Tarn Foot, we decided to mop up the majority of low lying clues on Loughrigg and the Waterhead area before heading higher. Here we're approaching the bench (occupied) near Lily Tarn which held a clue!

Skirting Ambleside and heading for Low Grove above Stock Ghyll....the cloud was taking some time to lift

We crossed the "Struggle" and headed off up the broad ridge towards Snarker Pike, picking up clues as we went.

Another clue claimed near the summit of Snarker Pike and with the cloud cleared an excellent view across to Red Screes and Kirkstone Pass.

Ian jotting down the answer to the clue on the summit of Red Screes, looking North towards Brotherswater.

We then descended to Scandale Pass, we had contemplated an overnight camp at Scandale Tarn.

It was a bit wild at the tarn, and we had some time in hand so pressed on. thinking we would camp somewhere on Bakestones Moss.....

In the end we camped a little North of the Moss, it was a bit of a bumpy pitch.The Deschutes was very good in the wind, very little movement, pitched tight to the ground as this photo shows. Not me at my tidiest as you can see!

We got cracking early and were on top of Fairfield just after 9am to collect the highest prized clue.We were surprised to find a women camped beside the cairn.....I can think of smoother places to pitch a tent!!

Retracing our steps back over Hart Crag and Dove Crag we then descended the ridge over High and Low Pikes collecting more clues before dropping down to High Sweden Bridge.

We collected one or two more clues as we made our way back to Tarn Foot, being careful to arrive back before 2pm therefore not being penalised for late arrival.

And to the winners the spoils....we managed to win.This is the Tom Pape trophy.Ian and I had enjoyed a great weekend.Thanks to Colin who organised the event this year.

Sunday, 21 September 2014

I don't get out quite as much with the RSF quite as much as I used to. But yesterday (Saturday) I made the effort to attend the first day of the weekend meet organised by my mate @ianwood2011 . Also there were Nick and Eileen, we had a great day, inspite of my attempt to alter the Lake District terrain with my Arm and Knee! (There was only going to be one winner there!)

Having met and taken Coffee at "The Saddleback Cafe" in Keswick we rode round to the West side of Derwentwater and followed the bridleway which contours Catbells.Then from Grange the bridleway to the Honister road tested our skill over the rocky terrain. Here Nick and Eileen are on one of the short rideable sections on the track in this direction.

Once past Castle Crag the going improved somewhat...although there were lots of folk, not unexpected.For those contemplating a trip on here by bike...go the other way, its easier!

Having stopped for lunch just before we reached tarmac, we stopped for a brew at Honister Pass. A council of war was held...and it was decided we'd stick to the original plan...and cross over the bridleway to Warnscale Bottom. The route climbs the flank of Honister Crag by the rather steep track seen in the distance.

Of course its never as bad as you think it'll be...(is it?) and we duly arrived at the high point.Here we look over towards the Grey Knotts-Brandreth Ridge.

And this is the scene of devastation behind! The old tips have been ground up/crushed.and left it would seem.

Once the descent was underway we soon arrived at Dubs Hut. Well you can't pass a bothy without having a peek inside. It was in remarkably good order considering the hordes of folk who must pass this way.

Theres quite a gap between this and the last photo. The going is mostly unridable...believe me I tried and spilt the blood to prove the point.Anyway here the worst is over and the view down to Buttermere and Crummock Water is rather good.

Looking back to Warnscale Bottom and the track we'd just descended...always a pleasing view.

The bridleway along the shore of Buttermere is one of many which has been "improved" over the years. Due to the late afternoon there weren't to many people.Fleetwith Pike very prominent behind.

More Tea and cake was taken at "Croft House Tearoom", before the climb of Newlands Pass. The Inbred felt like it weighed a ton! The top came eventually tho!Robinson behind in this picture .

Basically road work back to Keswick and the car, Skiddaw looking superb in the evening light.Chips then the drive home, a great day even with the injuries!!